Primark has warned it is “seeing higher rates of absence than usual” as UK businesses continue to struggle with people being asked to self-isolate amid soaring coronavirus case rates.
Recent days have seen empty shelves in supermarkets across the country as more and more people are asked to self-isolate, hitting supply chains hard.
In a statement to Bristol Live, Primark said it was experiencing higher absence levels, but insisted shoppers’ experience would not be affected.
READ MORE: Primark issues update on face masks ahead of July 19 rule change
“Our stores are currently operating as normal, although we are seeing higher rates of absence than usual as result of colleagues being unwell or isolating,” a spokesperson said. “We don’t envisage having to change opening hours or staffing plans at this stage but we’re continuing to monitor the situation closely.”
Most legal restrictions introduced to stem the spread of coronavirus were removed earlier this week, meaning people are no longer legally required to wear face masks or socially distance on public transport or in shops.
Some retailers and public transport operators have implemented their own rules, and the government advises people continue to take precautions, given the high case rates at present.
Primark has previously said it hopes “people will continue to think of others and wear a face covering if they can”.
The ‘pingdemic’ – a reference to getting “pinged”, or told to self-isolate, by the NHS Covid-19 app or by test and trace – is causing mass disruption in shops and other essential services. In the week ending July 15, a record 618,903 people in England and Wales were told to self-isolate by the app alone.
In response, the government has set out a limited list of industries that are exempt from self-isolation.
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